Case Study 5: Alison's Eye Opening Day!

After visiting Frankie & Ruby for a full day’s consultation, professional voice over artist Alison Sweatman, tells us about her experience.

“After years of teaching English as a foreign language, I was ready for a change in career. With my background in the theatre, I trained as a voice over artist and podcaster. I was ready for the change in role, but not at all ready for what it would do to my wardrobe! The change threw up lots of issues around my identity and sense of self, and I was struggling to work out how to present this new me in what I wore.

Thinking back, I’m not sure I’ve ever been comfortable in fully understanding the link between my identity and what I wear. In past roles in theatre management I was always able to dress for the role, but not for myself. I didn’t know which clothes suited me, or how to dress to make the most of myself, and I had not been dressing in clothes that reflected who I was. I was really stuck! I just didn’t have a clue.

I found Victoria online and thought that she might be able to help me. I was hoping to come away knowing more about colours and how to approach shopping, especially in charity shops which appeals to me. I also wanted a clearer idea of what would suit my shape. The experience was a real light bulb day for me. I was so surprised at how closely clothes and identity actually are. The experience shone a light on aspects of me I hadn’t thought about before. The biggest eye opener was colour. When I saw the difference the right and wrong colours made to how I looked, I was amazed. You’d have to see it to believe it! Even the make up session was a colour revelation!

When I arrived at Victoria’s I was immediately put at ease. I felt comfortable enough to talk about anything and as a result our conversation got quite deep. It was very stimulating to talk in this way, and it gave me a lot of confidence. I wasn’t even nervous when we talked about body shapes! I found it very intriguing.

As a result of my experience, I feel more confident both in the shops and shopping online. I’m able to zone in on colours and it makes shopping a lot easier for me. I feel like I have a more discerning eye, and I much happier about confidently choosing things I like that reflect my personality and fit my rules. I even feel more confident at putting on make up too. One of the biggest changes for me is when I’m getting ready to go somewhere, I think ‘what would I like to feel like today? What image do I want to present?’ and get dressed from that perspective. Other people are beginning to notice the change in me, and it feels really positive and makes me feel much more confident.

If someone else was thinking of booking a consultation, I would definitely recommend the entire experience, especially if you are at a stage where you feel as lost as I was. It is wonderful to be immersed in the whole thing, and I would also say to go with an open mind, to enjoy it. The experience with Victoria makes shopping fun and playful again.”

Alison from the top:

1. When she arrived for her consultatioon

2. Demonstrating her beautiful winter colours and make-up

3. Rocking her new look with clothes we found on the day

HI! I'M VICTORIA, AND I RUN FRANKIE & RUBY...

I love being a personal stylist and helping my clients feel more confident in their style choices. Having been introduced to jumble sales and charity shops from a young age, I show my clients how to look great and feel confident in pre-loved fashion as well as utilising what they already have hanging in the wardrobe at hom. Read more about our story and what makes a consultation with us a unique experience.....

THINGS MY CLIENTS HAVE SAID

“Victoria Lochhead has been an absolute saviour. Victoria was so gentle with me and so enlightening. If Victoria can make me feel and look good, then she really can help anyone” Margaret

“This session has unleashed the inner me! I feel more confident, enjoy colours more & wear clothes that make me look great!” Claire

Frankie & Ruby is a sustainable personal styling image consultancy business. We offer styling sessions both in person and in our online courses.

We are based in Newbury, Berkshire, UK and work throughout Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and Hampshire. We are perfectly placed for clients visiting from Newbury. Reading, Basingstoke, Oxford, Hungerford, Marlborough, Swindon, Andover, Salisbury, Theale, Thatcham, Overton, Whitchurch, Didcot, Wantage, Abingdon, Pangbourne, Tilehurst, Streatley, Goring on Thames, Wokingham, Mortimer, Woolhampton, Aldermaston, Winchester and Tadley although clients do travel from further afield.

Find out more about personal colour analysis consultations, style analysis consultations, dress agency open house dates and group days and events on our website, or explore our range of online style courses.